snail allergy

A snail allergy can induce several clinical presentations, including asthma, urticaria, angio-oedema, anaphylaxis, or even death [2]. The symptoms of a snail allergy may include:

• Itching
• Hives
• Worsening of eczema
• Tingling or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Chest tightness
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
• Wheezing, nasal congestion, shortness of breath
• Tingling in the mouth

These symptoms can range from mild local reactions to severe life-threatening systemic reactions [7]. In some cases, a snail allergy may also cause anaphylaxis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction [6].

It's worth noting that snails are a rare food capable of producing food allergies, and the symptoms of a snail allergy can be similar to those of other shellfish allergies [4]. If you suspect that you have a snail allergy, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately.

References: [1] Not provided in context [2] Context 2 [3] Not provided in context [4] Context 4 [6] Context 6 [7] Context 7

Common Signs and Symptoms of Snail Allergy

Snail allergy, also known as mollusk allergy, can cause a range of symptoms in individuals who are sensitive to the proteins present in snails. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

• Skin Reactions: Hives, itching, swelling (face, lips, tongue), warmth, redness [1][3]
• Respiratory Issues: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness [6]
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea [2][4]
• Anaphylaxis: In severe cases, snail allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention [5]

It's essential for individuals who experience any of these symptoms after consuming snails or being in close proximity to them to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Context result 3: Shellfish Allergy Symptoms [2] Context result 2: Symptoms of a shellfish allergy may include... [3] Context result 6: Skin: hives, swelling (face, lips, tongue), itching, warmth, redness [4] Context result 4: Most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which resolve after 24 hours. [5] Context result 5: Shellfish can cause severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions... [6] Context result 6: Respiratory: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness.

Diagnosing Snail Allergy: Available Diagnostic Tests

Snail allergy, also known as helminthic allergy, can be diagnosed using various tests that help identify the presence of specific antibodies or allergens in the body. Here are some diagnostic tests used to establish a diagnosis of snail allergy:

• Blood Test: A blood test can detect whether you have food allergy antibodies, but it's not conclusive on its own. It's often used in combination with other tests.
• Skin Prick Test (SPT): This test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of snail extract to see if there's an allergic reaction.
• Oral Food Challenge: This is a more invasive test where you're given a small amount of snail extract to eat, and your body's reaction is monitored.

Specific Tests for Snail Allergy

The following tests are specifically designed to diagnose snail allergy:

• Snail (f314) IgE Quest lab test: This test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker, which helps identify the presence of snail-specific IgE antibodies in the blood.
• In vitro serum testing for IgE antibodies: This test provides an indication of the immune response to allergens that may be associated with allergic disease.

Cross-Reactivity

It's worth noting that there might be a cross-reactivity between snails and house dust mites, which can affect the accuracy of diagnostic tests.

Snail allergy, also known as helicidin or mucus of the terrestrial snail H. pomatia allergy, can be treated with various medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent severe reactions.

Traditional nonspecific treatments

• Anti-IgE therapies such as omalizumab can be used alone or in combination with other treatments [5].
• Anticytokine drugs are another option for treating snail allergy [5].

Emergency treatment for anaphylaxis

• Epinephrine (adrenalin) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction [1][3].
• In case of anaphylaxis, it's essential to seek emergency medical attention immediately after administering epinephrine.

Prevention through avoidance

• The only true cure for snail allergy is to eliminate the allergen from your diet completely [6].
• Strict avoidance of shellfish and shellfish products can help prevent reactions [9].

Note: Snail allergy can induce severe clinical presentations, including anaphylaxis, asthma, urticaria, angio-oedema, or even death [4]. If you suspect a snail allergy, consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [9] Context result 9

The differential diagnosis for snail allergy involves considering other conditions that may present similarly to an allergic reaction caused by snails. Some of these conditions include:

• Food intolerance: This can be a challenge in diagnosing snail allergy, as the symptoms may overlap with those of food intolerance.
• Celiac disease: A condition where the immune system reacts to gluten, leading to various symptoms that can be similar to an allergic reaction.
• Food poisoning: Ingestion of contaminated or spoiled food can cause symptoms that resemble an allergic reaction.

According to [8], differential diagnosis is crucial in identifying snail allergy. The symptoms of snail allergy can be similar to those of other conditions, making it essential to rule out these possibilities before confirming a diagnosis.

It's also worth noting that cross-reactivity between shellfish and snails has been reported in some cases [9]. This means that individuals with an allergy to one may also experience reactions to the other. However, this is not always the case, and further testing is necessary to confirm the presence of an allergy.

In terms of specific symptoms, ingestion of snails can induce strong asthmatic or anaphylactic responses in some individuals [6]. This highlights the importance of considering snail allergy as a potential cause of respiratory issues.

References: [8] - Differential diagnosis [9] - by A Giannetti · 2023 · Cited by 12 — Diagnosis, as for other food allergies, is based on SPTs and specific IgE, while the gold standard is DBPCFC. Cross-reactivity between shellfish ...